What It's Like to Live In...Small-Town Louisiana

Just in time for the Super Bowl, ScrtShdwHntr clears up some myths about Louisianians. Geaux Saints! —SparkNotes editors

I live in a small town in Louisiana, a humid state with lots of small towns and funny names. When most people think of Louisiana, they think of Mardi Gras, New Orleans, and gumbo. There are many misconceptions about Louisiana that are so ridiculous, it's laughable. Here are my favorite seven:

1. We live in swamps. Sure, I drive by swamps during long car rides to the other side of the state, but I have only been in a swamp once in my life. And that was during a field trip. I have actually been terrified of going within 30 miles of swamps since I saw a certain episode of Man vs. Wild. While a select few Louisianians live in houseboats, most of us live in medium-sized houses with backyards (and internet!), not bayous, which brings me to the next misconception...

2. We have pet alligators. I've never seen a full-grown alligator up close—but I have held a baby one. Does your mom, grandma, or aunt have an alligator skin purse? Imagine petting 2.5 feet of that and taking it for a walk. Yikes.

3. We don't wear shoes. This actually makes no sense at all, especially in the context of Misconception #1. If we lived in a swamp, don't you think we would invest in footwear?

4. We have funny names. This is true. I go to school with a Thibodeaux (Tib-oh-do), a Boudreaux (boo-dro), a Melancon (Mel-awn-saun) an Istre (East), Mouton (Moo-taun), Aucoin (Aw-quann), Trahan (Traw-haun) and many other names you probably can’t pronounce. I also go to school with Browns, Lewises, Bonnets, and Woodards.

5. Every day is Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras, which we pronounce Maud-E Graw, is a once-a-year (this year it’s on February 16!) carnival that means three things: parades, King Cake, and three days off of school. It literally translates to “Fat Tuesday” in French, which means we all stuff ourselves with funnel cake and spend the next day recovering. But for us at least, the party lasts for just one glorious, fun-filled day. (Note: never ask anyone to explain the reason Mardi Gras exists; it will just confuse you more. Google and enjoy.)

6. We eat gumbo. Every. Day. I hate gumbo. I absolutely despise it. I also hate boiled crawfish, any type of etouffee (et-ooh-fay), and all seafood. But I will admit that my fellow Louisianians consider my food taste odd.

7. We have no teeth. I have all of my teeth, believe it or not. In fact, I’ve never had a cavity in my life (yep, I’m bragging!).

In short, Louisiana teens are just like teens everywhere else. We go to school, go out to movies, Facebook, and hang out at malls. Accents aside, we are just like the rest of you.

Any other Louisianian Sparklers out there?

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